Recent content by Gopherwatcher

I've heard that the new thing they are doing for free/reduced lunch part is they are only counting those that qualify through direct certification from the state database, so kids that don't automatically qualify and fill in the "form", don't count as free/reduced anymore for enrollment purposes...

Well, by your logic, unless you look at EVERY school they play, then maybe they aren't class A schools either if you are looking at actual enrollment numbers. You can't put out player cut-offs that DO NOT use actual enrollment, but instead the free/reduced lunch count, and then proceed to show...

Some sections are starting to do this. They are leaving it up to each individual section.

Actually, now most family that qualify are what's called "direct certs". The school gets information from the state and those students are immediately qualified for the program. I haven't asked what information that the state uses, but last year our student body was immediately at 35%...

True, and there could be some big shifts in SE MN when it comes to sections. Stewartville will probably get moved back up to AAAA. That won't be a big deal since they were there once before. D-E, Triton, and SC were both pushing up to those AAA numbers, but they both could be backing off, but...

Oh I am sure it's being abused, but if it's happening, it should be reported, or it will keep happening.

This practice is illegal according to MSHSL bylaws. It is called "undue influence". If a parent reported this to the MSHSL and it was investigated and found to be true, the school is fined. You cannot tell kids what sports they can't play and you can't force them to participate in off-season...

Very true. And something I think you will continue to see more and more of at the lower levels. It's not just the "losing" schools whose football numbers are dropping. It's happening even at schools that are highly successful. I hope it changes, but most kids don't dream of being pro football...

They've changed because enrollments can change drastically in smaller schools. Byron used to be AA and have grown rapidly to AAAA. Conversely, schools like Southland and Kingsland went from AA to 9-man in a matter of 6 years. Those massive swings in enrollment just don't happen as quickly in...

How are they changing it up at lower levels? The state dictates the class we play in regardless of a school's success?

I agree with you that 6A football is dying, but I think you are missing the point on why. It's not just 6A that's dying. Football is dying at every level. I've been coaching for over 25 years and the numbers of players in our program and programs all around us are plummeting. It's a societal...

Not possible. This stupid drop coverage is putting Gobert in an absolute no-win situation. Give Doncic that easy 8-10 foot pull-up or step up and get a dunk behind you.

You may be right. I wouldn't call myself an NBA expert by any means. I know that Horford and Porzingas are not as athletic as Lively and Gafford, so I don't think they can handle them inside, but I guess it'll depend on how Boston's wing players can guard. It's not like Edwards and McDaniels and...

If they are playing like this, absolutely. Is Porzingas going to be able to play? If so, how effective? How does Boston protect the rim with only Al Horford inside? I will guarantee that Boston will make Irving and Doncic actually work on the defensive end, so maybe that will slow their...

Well, we did lose the 1st 2 games by a total of 4 points. If Doncic and Irving are gonna play like this, there isn't a team in the NBA that can stay within 15 pts.